Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R,I,C-Big Flats) today blasted Assembly Democrats on the Judiciary Committee for their vote to block a bi-partisan reform effort from moving to the Assembly Floor for a vote.  The bill, The People’s Convention to Reform New York Act, (A.9157) would put the question of whether New York should convene a “People’s Convention” on the 2010 ballot. 

Assemblyman O’Mara noted the non-partisan measure is designed to move up the opportunity for reform by seven years, accelerating the state’s ability to enact long overdue and much-needed changes.  The legislation specifically requires that any elected official seeking to run as a delegate for, or serve in, the People’s Convention must first resign their office.

            “This year’s budget process is a clear indication that greater reforms need to be passed in Albany.  What is equally clear is that the Democratic Majorities in either house will not institute any real reform on their own and are doing everything they can to block the Assembly Minority’s reform efforts — including the People’s Convention bill,” said O’Mara. 

            Brooklyn Democrat, Helene Weinstein, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, led the effort to hold the bill in committee with 13 Democrats voting to hold the measure in committee and five Republicans and one Democrat supporting the bill to move forward.

            “The People’s Convention to Reform New York is a grassroots, non-partisan reform effort to empower citizens so they can take back their state government and, in the process, chart a positive, new direction for New York,” said O’Mara.  “Apparently, the Democrat Majority feels that late budgets, high taxes and out-of-control spending are fine and don’t need to be changed.”

            Assemblyman O’Mara noted that he is planning to host a People’s Convention to Reform New York Town Hall meeting in the district later this year to garner support and inform his constituents about the measure.

Some of the issues that could be considered during a People’s Convention include reforms like a property tax and state spending cap, debt reform, unfunded mandates, an independent Legislative Redistricting Commission, ethics reform, and a succession plan for state offices.

            “The People’s Convention bill would help New Yorkers take their government back.  Unfortunately, those in power seem intent on ensuring this reform measure never makes it to the Assembly Floor,” concluded O’Mara.

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